Ōmisoka cards: toshikoshi soba, temple bell, kadomatsu

Printable cards for Ōmisoka, the last day of the Japanese year, when families eat toshikoshi soba and temple bells ring 108 times before midnight. The cards show a bowl of soba with prawn tempura, a great bronze temple bell, and a pair of kadomatsu at a doorway. The kadomatsu card leaves an empty panel for a message. Ukiyo-e, sumi ink and washi paper give the three treatments.

• A card to send before the New Year
• A card for a Japanese family abroad
• A card for a New Year's Eve dinner
• A card for a Japanese language class

Frequently asked questions

What is toshikoshi soba?

Soba eaten on the last day of the year. The card shows it with prawn tempura and sliced spring onion.

What is the bell for?

Temple bells are rung 108 times before midnight on Ōmisoka. The bell card shows the great bronze bell with its striking beam drawn back.

What is the difference between the three treatments?

Ukiyo-e uses carved outlines in indigo, vermilion and cream. Sumi ink uses brush strokes in black and grey with one red mark. Washi paper uses patterned paper in deep red, navy and gold.

Can I have the card in English?

Type a direction such as in English and the card is made with that wording. It is a request, not a guaranteed result.

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